L – R: Jane Granville, York CVS, Anne-Marie, Parent, Carr Vikings Under 9’s team, Assistant Coach George, Head Coach Alan
A local Under-9s football team is celebrating success both on and off the pitch after receiving much-needed sponsorship for brand-new kits.
With their temporary kits due to be returned, the team was at risk having no matching kits to play in, but thanks to the dedication of parent, Anne-Marie, and support from York Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS), the team secured generous sponsorship just in time for the start of the spring season.
The new kit has brought a renewed sense of pride and excitement to the young players, who are currently topping their league with only two losses this season.
The Carr Vikings Under-9s team was established in July 2024 by Coach Alan, a dedicated football coach with over 20 years of experience leading Under-12s and Under-15s teams at the club. Recruiting young players from Westfield Primary Community School and Carr Junior School, the team quickly grew and showed great promise.
The club is sustained by hardworking volunteers, Alan and assistant coach George, as well as parent, Anne-Marie, who has played a pivotal role in supporting the club. Tom, another dedicated volunteer, takes on a multitude of tasks, from sourcing funding to aerating the pitch with his tractor. Their efforts ensure the team has a professional and welcoming environment to train and play in.
Despite the team’s growing success, funding for new kits was proving to be a major challenge. Anne-Marie, whose son plays in the team, took it upon herself to find a sponsor, but the process was frustrating and time-consuming.
“I literally tried everywhere; I must have approached 100+ companies. I went through long, drawn-out funding applications that led nowhere. I remember sitting in the church hall for hours at one meeting, freezing, thinking I was no further forward. I tried social media and every usual avenue, but I didn’t get a single yes.”
Anne-Marie discovered local charity York CVS, who provide charitable organisations in York with practical support and guidance to enable them to thrive. After reaching out to their Funding and Development Officer, Jane for support, the pair arranged a meeting to discuss ideas, but Anne-Marie never imagined how things would turn out.
“I never expected in a million years that Jane would eventually secure the sponsorship for us. It’s just incredible really.”
With only a week left before the old kits had to be returned, the sponsorship money landed in the club’s bank account. The funds covered 11 brand-new kits, socks, and winter jackets, just in time for the start of the season.
For the players, stepping onto the pitch in their new kits was a special moment. One parent described the reaction from the team:
“Honestly, their faces when they came out of the dressing room were an absolute picture. The sense of belonging it’s given them is incredible. They turn up to matches looking like a proper team now, and it’s made such a difference.”
The Carr Vikings Under 9s team sporting their new football kits
Another parent, Billy Agar, added:
“They look really professional now. They had the orange kit before but with the badge on and in the club colours, it looks really good and it’s nice to see them all wearing the same stuff training and going to matches, it just looks more professional. I think it’s a really good thing for the club.
Every single time they play, they put on a real good show. The effort’s always there. Alan’s a brilliant coach, he’s really good with all the kids, it’s really nice to be a part of because this is the first team my son has played for. And it’s just really nice to be a part of the community, with all the parents, we all get on really well, it’s really nice.”
The impact extends beyond match days. The players are so proud of their new kit that they even wear it to school when allowed. Anne-Marie reflected on what this means for the young footballers:
“It gives them the motivation to keep coming every week. It brings the parents together, and we feel like a proper team now. They get better every week, and when I see them so happy, it makes everything worth it.”
William Carradice and Calum, Football Fun Factory Head Coach
For quite a few of the boys, their football journey started at Football Fun Factory. Six of the current players began playing two years ago under the guidance of Calum, the Head Coach at Football Fun Factory. His coaching laid the foundation for their skills and love of the game.
Parent Anne-Marie shared:
“If it wasn’t for Calum, William would not be the footballer he is today. He taught them so much, and we are incredibly grateful for the role he played in their early development.”
Jane, the Funding and Development Officer at York CVS, played a key role in securing the sponsorship. She explained how York CVS supports local voluntary groups like this football club:
“We help small voluntary groups find funding, assist with essential policies, review constitutions, and advise on finances and insurance. Many sports teams approach us for funding, but we also connect them with local organisation’s like North Yorkshire Sport and City of York Council Sports and Leisure. We even help them explore sustainability measures, such as reducing the carbon footprint of club buildings.”
The Under-9s Carr Viking’s team continues to go from strength to strength, maintaining their impressive form this season.
Anne-Marie Carradice and Jane Granville, Funding and Development Officer, York CVS
Here at York CVS we remain committed to supporting local groups and voluntary organisations.
If you need funding support or advice for a community project, visit www.yorkcvs.org.uk or contact Jane.Granville@YorkCVS.org.uk.